Tag Archives: Michael Young

It was made official Sunday morning that the Phillies acquired 3B Michael Young and cash from the Texas Rangers for reliever Josh Lindblom and prospect Lisalverto Bonilla.

It was a good fit for both teams, with the Phillies needing a third baseman and Young wanting to continue to compete as he waived his no trade clause to Philadelphia.

“The baseball part was easy,” Young told reporters on Monday in Texas. “I have a great opportunity in Philadelphia, having the opportunity to go from one great team to another. They have a position for me; I was ready for a new challenge. I like a new challenge. As a competitor, I want to see what it’s like. The hard part was my family and what it would be like for them, being away for a summer. But once we embraced that, the baseball part was easy.”

The Phillies filled a huge hole at third for one season, prolonging their search for a more permanent solution at the hot corner. They did so without giving up too much, especially while boasting a deep and rich farm system of pitchers.

Lindblom was acquired in the Shane Victorino trade to the Dodgers before the deadline last season. He didn’t really wow the Phillies coaches, especially in late-game situations where they wanted him to pitch. Lindblom posted a 4.19 ERA in 38 2/3 innings of work in the 8th inning or later during the entire season.

The Phillies sent RHP Josh Lindblom and Minor League pitcher Lisalverto Bonilla to Texas for Young. Texas is expected to pay a sizable chunk of the $16 million owed to Young, who is 36.

In 74 games with the Dodgers and Phillies, Lindblom posted a 3-5 record and 3.55 ERA, striking out 70 in 74 innings of work. In 31 games between Clearwater and Reading, Bonilla posted a 3-2 record and 1.55 ERA.

UPDATE — According Jon Heyman of CBSSports, the Phillies are moving closer to a deal for Michael Young.

Heyman indicates that the Texas Rangers would need to pay $10 million of the $16 million that is owed to Young.

It sounds as though Young is heavily considering waiving his no-trade clause. Plus, the Rangers want to unload some older players and free up as much salary as possible in order to re-sign Josh Hamilton or land Zack Greinke.

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According to Comcast Sportsnet’s Jim Salisbury, multiple sources say that the Phillies are in serious negotiations with the Texas Rangers for third baseman Michael Young.

Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News added that the talks are in an advanced stage and working towards a deal.

Young has spent his entire 12-year career with the Rangers and does have a no-trade clause in his contract. The third baseman is also signed for the 2013 season at a $16 million price tag.

It does sound as though Young could waive his no-trade clause because he knows that the Rangers are trying to get younger. If a deal is reached, it’s expected that the Phillies would want to perform a physical on Young before finalizing a trade.

Texas is likely going to have to eat nearly half of Young’s $16 million salary.

In 2012, Young hit .267 with eight home runs and 67 RBIs with a .682 OPS. This is just a year removed from leading the American League in hitting (.338) with 11 home runs and 106 RBIs.